Environmental Science Fundamentals

Environment Definition

• The environment refers to the natural world and all living things, including ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.
• It encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological components of the planet, as well as the social and cultural aspects of human interaction with the natural world.

Environmental Components

• Abiotic factors: non-living components, such as:
  • Water (oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater)
  • Air (atmosphere, climate)
  • Soil (land, geology)
  • Energy (solar, wind, fossil fuels)
• Biotic factors: living components, such as:
  • Plants (flora)
  • Animals (fauna)
  • Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses)

Environmental Issues

• Pollution: contamination of the environment with harmful substances, such as:
  • Air pollution (smog, greenhouse gases)
  • Water pollution (chemicals, waste)
  • Soil pollution (chemicals, waste)
• Climate change: long-term warming of the planet due to human activities, such as:
  • Greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, methane)
  • Deforestation
  • Burning fossil fuels
• Conservation: preservation and protection of natural resources, such as:
  • Wildlife conservation
  • Forest conservation
  • Water conservation

Environmental Impact

• Human activities: impact on the environment, such as:
  • Deforestation and land degradation
  • Overfishing and habitat destruction
  • Climate change and rising sea levels
• Ecosystem disruption: changes to natural ecosystems, such as:
  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Disruption of food chains
  • Changes to ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, pest control)

Environmental Management

• Sustainable development: meeting present needs without compromising future generations, through:
  • Renewable energy sources
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Eco-friendly technologies
• Environmental policies: laws and regulations to protect the environment, such as:
  • International agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement)
  • National and local policies (e.g., recycling programs)
  • Environmental impact assessments